Power steering conversion parts

Z Club Member

Okay all, I’ve decided to change priorities and time-spend and ultimately, further down the line go for an off-the-shelf solution rather than fabricate my own, so here are a couple of key components needed if you fancy a challenge and want to build an electric power steering kit:

These come as a set. All you need is a Z column and the necessary skills/equipment to splice them together. And a wheel speed sensor. There are threads on this on the forum historically; the controller is the same as the one Datsun Dave uses on his RB-engined Z, so he may be able to answer questions about its use and setup. I have instructions for the controller somewhere and will include them.

£200 for the above plus postage. I may have a Z column I can include if required for a TBD amount. You can use any Z column though (RHD and LHD are the same even though the steering racks aren’t).

Various kits ditch the speed sensor; I just included mention of that given that’s what Dave Porter has with a setup basically the same as this. The controller obviously would allow manual tuning of the sensitivity. I’ll have to dig out the unit instructions which will illuminate that aspect of the setup.

Z Club Member

As with many aspects, it is debatable based on interpretation and all the exemptions. The rack is untouched, the column is modified but is based on the original. You could say the mod increases efficiency? Frankly, I don’t think a power steering mod alone would pose a challenge to someone declaring their car VHI and MOT exempt - but much has been left (deliberately) vague.

FYI - now the manic last few weeks and weekends are over, i’ll Be writing up something on the MOT changes. One of the key take-outs so far is that it very much seems like an “opt in” thing. I.e., you have to declare your car meets the criteria if you want to have it classified as VHI and MOT-exempt. If you don’t do that, everything is as before. You don’t have to declare mods specifically. Ultimately, if you have any doubts, just don’t opt in.

EDIT: just reading the other thread about the DFT release and Rob’s most recent comment. Interesting; more reading and to do...

I had a read through the above, and honestly i think i would definitely be biting off more than i can chew unfortunately!

Not that its particularly complicated, just plenty could be not quite right during the build process, and then having to rectify stuff, as did Wyn,
does not instill much confidence on my part!
I think if my car was in bits and being restored, i would take a stab at it, but in reality, with the car on the road and no proper work shop facilities
i would be better, although poorer for it, with a bolt in kit.

Z Club Member

Tbh, this is useful for someone who can get stuck in and work the bugs out themselves. But the call for that has decreased since I bought these bits due to the proliferation of off-the-shelf solutions that weren’t available several years ago. So - no adventurous takers, and it’ll go to eBay where it might find a wider audience beyond the Z scene.